Infant monitoring system with removable ear insert
Patent 6989744 Issued on January 24, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date: 
June 13, 2023. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
June 13, 2023. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3819860 Snoring deconditioning system and method Infant health monitoring system Anti-snoring device Alarm system for the hearing impaired Child monitoring device Modular assistive listening system Apparatus for monitoring child activity Intra-concha type electroacoustic transducer for use with audio devices etc. Baby monitor receiver having indicator display and dual position clip InventorApplicationNo. 10461221 filed on 06/13/2003US Classes:340/539.15, Parent/child device340/539.1, Radio340/573.1, Human or animal340/825.19, Communication or control for the handicapped381/315, Remote control, wireless, or alarm381/328Ear insertExaminersPrimary: Pope, DarylForeign Patent References
International ClassG08B 1/08DescriptionCROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS — BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Many facets of the invention will be better appreciated and understood in conjunction with the following drawings and detailed description of preferred embodiments, in which like reference numerals generally represent like elements, and in which: FIG. 1 depicts a conventional infant monitoring system; FIG. 2 depicts an infant monitoring system according to preferred embodiments of the inventive arrangements; FIG. 3 depicts relevant parts of a typical human ear; and FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an ear insert positioned in an ear of a wearer according to preferred embodiments of the inventive arrangements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various systems, apparatuses, devices, methods, techniques, and the like for remotely monitoring the presence and general well-being of babies, infants, toddlers, and other children when out of plain view by caregivers are well-known in the art, and for ease of illustration, are generally and generically referred to as infant monitoring systems throughout this Specification. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard. Rather, in various preferred embodiments, for example, the inventive arrangements are also used to monitor other persons, including, for example, persons who are elderly, sick, infirm, or otherwise in need of monitoring, particularly, but not exclusively, while sleeping. In various other preferred embodiments, the inventive arrangements are also used to monitor other things, including, for example, animals, and the like, when a personal alert to a caregiver, or other user, is desired. Referring now to FIG. 1, a conventional infant monitoring system 10 is shown, comprising an infant monitoring device ("IMD") 12 and a parent monitoring device ("PMD") 14. The IMD 12 is generally placed in an infant's room 16, while the PMD 14 is generally placed in a parents' room 18. Whereas the infant's room 16 is generally remote from the parents' room 18, the IMD 12 is generally remote from the PMD 14. As known, wireless transmission occurs therebetween, as will be elaborated upon briefly. Throughout this description, however, certain well-known functions and constructions are not described in detail if they would otherwise obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. Referring now more specifically to the IMD 12, it comprises a main body 20 with orifices for, and connections to and among, a sound grating 22, on-off/volume variable resistor dial 24, power indicator light 26, and antenna 28. Internally, the IMD 12 comprises a microphone and transmitter. The microphone is a well-known device for converting audible sound waves into electrical current signals. Relevant sound waves comprise an audible parameter from an infant 44 (see FIG. 2) in the infant's room 16, such as a cry, yell, shout, moan, fuss, sneeze, cough, hiccup, wake-up activities, hunger and thirst indicators, out-of-bed or out-of-area indicators, bedding entanglement indicators, and so forth, from the infant 44 communicating discomfort, distress, malcontent, or otherwise to anyone who is listening. Thus, while the sound grating 22 facilitates reception of the audible parameter from the infant 44 by the microphone, the IMD 12 is preferably powered by a conventional power source—such as a household A/C current source, battery, battery cell, or otherwise—operating in conjunction with the on-off/volume variable resistor dial 24, for which the preferred power indicator light 26 conventionally indicates the energized status of the IMD 12. As mentioned, the microphone converts the audible parameter from the infant 44 into an electrical current signal. More specifically, the magnitude of the voltage of this electrical current signal is directly proportional to the volume (i.e., pitch or pressure) of the audible parameter, and it changes at the same rate (i.e., frequency) as the audible parameter. Thus, the voltage of this electrical current signal changes according to the audible parameter, whereupon the electrical current signal is wirelessly transmitted by the well-known transmitter through the antenna 28 of the IMD 12 in the infant's room 16 to the PMD 14 in the parents' room 18 for real-time reception thereof by the PMD 14. Referring now more specifically to the PMD 14, it also comprises, as a counterpart to the IMD 12, a main body 30 with orifices for, and connections to and among, a sound grating 32, on-off/volume variable resistor dial 34, power indicator light 36, and antenna 38. Internally, the PMD 14 comprises a receiver and transducer. The transducer is a well-known device for re-converting the electrical current signal received from the antenna 28 of the IMD 12 at the antenna 38 of the PMD 14 back into audible sound waves. Thus, while the sound grating 32 facilitates re-broadcasting the audible parameter from the infant 44 into the parents' room 18, the PMD 14 is preferably powered by a conventional power source—such as a household A/C current source, battery, battery cell, or otherwise—operating in conjunction with the on-off/volume variable resistor dial 34, for which the preferred power indicator light 36 conventionally indicates the energized status of the PMD 14. As mentioned, the transducer re-converts the electrical current signal from the IMD 12 into the audible parameter from the infant 44. More specifically, the transducer comprises a loudspeaker for transforming the electrical current signal into sound energy. The loudspeaker is a well-known device for transforming the weakened electrical current signals that strike the antenna 38 of the PMD 14 into audible sounds that are heard at a distance remote from the PMD 14. Whereas the weakened electrical current signals are processed by an amplifier, the common loudspeaker contains a cone that is rigidly attached to a coil of wire. The coil of wire is surrounded by a permanent magnet that creates a permanent magnetic field about the coil. However, as electrical current signals from the antenna 38 of the PMD 14 pass through the coil of wire, a varying magnetic field is also induced about the coil. The permanent and varying magnetic fields thus oppose, and otherwise interact, with one another, whereupon the cone thus vibrates according to the variations in the electrical current signals. Successfully vibrating the cone according to the voltage of the original electrical current signal transmitted from the IMD 12, the cone thereby causes surrounding air to vibrate at the same frequencies as the original sound waves. This sound is then broadcast through the sound grating 32 and into the parents' room 18. Accordingly, the PMD 14 wirelessly reproduces the audible parameter from the infant 44 received by the IMD 12 in the infant's room 16 through the PMD 14 in the parents' room 18. In other words, if the infant 44 makes a sound within the infant's room 16, the microphone within the IMD 12 detects the sound and transmits it through the antenna 28. The PMD 14, in turn, receives the transmitted signal from the IMD 12 through its antenna 38, where it is processed and output by the transducer, and where it is heard through the loudspeaker for appropriate response thereto by the infant's parents 42 (see FIG. 2). Many variations of the described infant monitoring system 10 have been described. For example, the main bodies 20, 30, sound gratings 22, 32, on-off/volume variable resistor dials 24, 34, power indicator lights 26, 36, and antennas 28, 38 were representatively depicted and described. Numerous variations—as to existence, location, functionality, and the like—exist with respect thereto. For example, whereas the antennas 28, 38 are respectively integrated within the main bodies 20, 30 in various preferred embodiments, the on-off/volume variable resistor dials 24, 34 are also respectively integrated with the power indicator lights 26, 36 in other preferred embodiments. Regardless, the power supplies preferably enable mobility of both the IMD 12 and PMD 14, and particularly the PMD 14 when used other than in the parents' room 18. Whereas the IMD 12 has been generally described as a one-way transmitter and the PMD 14 has been generally described as a one-way receiver, the infant monitoring system 10 is not limited in this regard. Rather, two-way communicative abilities are also contemplated, and well-known in the art, whereupon both the IMD 12 and PMD 14 are constructed as transmitters and receivers. For example, if the PMD 14 functions as both a transmitter and receiver, an optional "talk button" (not shown) is incorporated into the housing 30 for ceasing PMD 14 functioning as a receiver and enabling PMD 14 functioning as a transmitter. In such an embodiment, whereas the IMD 12 is generally an open channel transmitter—transmitting continually from the IMD 12 to the PMD 14 while energized—activation of the talk button on the PMD 14 enables transmission from the PMD 14 to the IMD 12 and corresponding reception by the IMD 12 from the PMD 14. Thus, the IMD 12 also thereby functions as a receiver and the PMD 14 also thereby functions as a transmitter. Accordingly, the IMD 12 and PMD 14 are generally and generically referred to, and constructed as, transceivers. Moreover, in additionally preferred embodiments, the PMD 14 also includes one or more light emitting diodes ("LEDs") (not shown) that light in series to indicate the volume of the audible parameter from the infant 44 in the infant's room 16. In yet another embodiment, the LEDs are color coded such that subsequently lit or higher sounding LEDs are a different color (e.g., red) from previously lit or lower sounding LEDs (e.g., green or yellow or both). Furthermore, in other additionally preferred embodiments, either or both of the IMD 12 and PMD 14 contain appropriate circuitry for processing an audible parameter from an infant 44 only after detection of a sound level that, as determined by an appropriate comparator: i) deviates substantially from a predetermined reference signal; ii) is greater than a predetermined reference volume level; iii) indicates a lack of presence of the infant 44; iv) indicates a lack of motion of the infant 44; v) indicates a predetermined pattern of motion; vi) monitors for SIDS; vii) responds according to predetermined audible parameters, but otherwise filters out other audible parameters, enabling the infant monitoring system 10 to be particularly responsive to various audible parameters from the infant 44 and less responsive to ambient noises and other external sounds typically occurring in a household setting; viii) falls within, or outside of, various predetermined parameters in accordance with one or more appropriate filters, such as a low pass filter or narrow band bypass filter; ix) does one or more of the foregoing for a predetermined length of time; and the like. In other words, various well-known filtering techniques are preferably incorporated into the infant monitoring system 10 within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit hereof. All such representative functionality is readily imparted into the infant monitoring system 10 by various techniques that are well-known in the art, including, for example, including the comparator within the IMD 12, PMD 14, or both. Referring now to an infant monitoring system 10 according to preferred embodiments of the inventive arrangements, and FIG. 2, insofar as conventional placement of the PMD 14 is on a bedside table 40, or the like, in the parents' room 18, it is recognized that both of the infant's parents 42 (individually, 42a or 42b), or other caregivers, are awoken by the globally broadcast audible parameter emanating from the loudspeaker and sound grating 32 of the conventional PMD 14. Oftentimes, however, it is only necessary to awaken one parent 42a, 42b to appropriately respond to the needs of the infant 44. For example, if only one parent 42a, 42b is needed to feed or change the infant 44, there is oftentimes little, if any, reason to awaken both parents 42. Thus, it is beneficial to provide a PMD 14 in which only selective persons are alerted to the audible parameter from the infant 44. The infant's parents 42 could thereby alternate nights or weeks, for example, responding to the infant 44 in accordance with work schedules and the like, whereby only one parent 42a, 42b in the parents' room 18 is alerted to the audible parameter from the infant 44. Accordingly, a removable ear insert 46 is hereby provided for insertion into an ear 48 of a parent 42a, 42b needing to be awoken or alerted, the ear insert 46 providing an audible output to only the wearer thereof. It is thus recognized that while many persons share a bed with a spouse or other bed partner, or, alternatively, share a room with any other person or persons, only effected persons need to be alerted to various audible parameters, including audible parameters from the infant 44 in the infant's room 16, whereby only the wearer of the ear insert 46 is awoken without disturbing others nearby the wearer, such as others in a room like the parents' room 18 who are not wearing the ear insert 46. By inserting the ear insert 46 into an ear 48 prior to slumber, for example, only the wearer is preferably awoken by the audible parameter from the infant 44, whereby no-one else is alerted due to the absence of a globally broadcast audible parameter emanating from the loudspeaker and sound grating 32 of the conventional PMD 14. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, individuals near the wearer are not exposed to, or otherwise made aware of, the audible parameter from the infant 44. Whereby the ear insert 46 is worn within the ear 48 of the wearer, any audio stimulus from the IMD 12 is preferably personal to the wearer and does not disturb others around the wearer, including, for example, the wearer's bed partner. Thus, the invention provides an ear insert 46 that is comfortably inserted into and worn within the ear 48 of the wearer for use in conjunction with an infant monitoring system 10. In other words, while the ear insert 46 is worn within the ear 48 of the wearer, the audible parameter from the infant 44 is received by circuitry within the ear insert 46 and preferably delivered privately to the wearer through the ear insert 46, whereby non-wearers of the ear insert 46 remain undisturbed. Whereas the common loudspeaker in a conventional PMD 14 contains a cone that is rigidly attached to a coil of wire, as previously described, an earphone, such as the ear insert 46 of the present invention, preferably contains a diaphragm that is rigidly attached to the coil of wire. The ear insert 46 otherwise retains the functionality of the conventional PMD 14. For example, the coil of wire is still surrounded by a permanent magnet that creates a permanent magnetic field about the coil. As electrical current signals pass through the coil of wire, a varying magnetic field is again induced about the coil. The permanent and varying magnetic fields thus oppose, and otherwise interact, with one another, whereupon the diaphragm thus vibrates according to the variations in the electrical current signals. Successfully vibrating the diaphragm according to the voltage of the original electrical current signal transmitted from the IMD 12, the diaphragm thereby causes surrounding air to vibrate at the same frequencies as the original sound waves. This sound is then broadcast through the ear insert 46 and into the ear 48 of the wearer. Accordingly, the ear insert 46 wirelessly reproduces the audible parameter received by the IMD 12 in the infant's room 16 through the ear insert 46 worn by the wearer. Other earphone and earphone-type devices are also well-known in the art, and expressly contemplated hereby. In a preferred embodiment, the ear insert 46 is self-contained, i.e., it contains no wires, straps, mounting loops, or otherwise, in which the wearer can become entangled. Accordingly, a preferred ear insert 46 is powered by a conventional power source such as a battery, battery cell, or otherwise. Moreover, the preferred ear insert 46 is molded to fit securely and comfortably within the wearer's ear 48 during slumber, or when doing other jobs or activities within the transmission and reception ranges of the infant monitoring system 10. Accordingly, when the ear insert 46 is inserted into the wearer's ear 48 and energized, reproduced sounds from the IMD 12 are preferably heard personally by the wearer. Thus, the ear insert 46 is a miniaturized PMD 14, possessing the functionality thereof. For illustration purposes, and to elaborate upon preferred placement and positioning of the ear insert 46 within the ear 48, a typical human ear 48 is depicted in FIGS. 3-4. Referring more specifically to FIG. 3, the outer ear 50 (i.e., pinna) comprises an irregularly concave cartilaginous member comprised of a number of eminencies and depressions that provide a distinctive shape and form to the ear 48. More specifically, a helix 52 comprises a curved outer rim of the ear 48. Below the helix 52 is an antihelix 54. The antihelix 54 comprises a curved prominence forming a curve around a concha 56, which is a deep cavity containing an entry passage 58 to an ear canal 60. The concha 56 is divided into two parts, including an upper concha 56a and lower concha 56b (collectively, 56). The upper concha 56a and lower concha 56b are divided into their respective parts by a terminating crux 62 of the helix 52 that curves around the outside of the ear 48 and extends inwards at about a vertical midpoint of the ear 48. The upper concha 56a lies above the crux 62 of the helix 52 and below the antihelix 54. The lower concha 56b, on the other hand, lies below the crux 62 of the helix 52 and surrounds the entry passage 58 to the ear canal 60. A conchal wall 64 separates the concha 56 from the antihelix 54. A tragus 66 comprises a small semicircular prominence disposed in front of the lower concha 56b and projecting rearwards from a front 68 of the ear 48. An antitragus 70 is disposed opposite the tragus 66 and separated apart therefrom by a deep curvature of an intertragic notch 72, which is formed between the tragus 66 and antitragus 70. Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, the ear canal 60 connects the entry passage 58 to an ear drum 74. When sound, such as the audible parameter from the infant 44, enters the ear 48, a front surface 76 of the ear drum 74 vibrates. These vibrations then pass from the front surface 76 of the ear drum 74 to a cochlea 78 within an inner ear 80, the inner ear 80 generally being defined as beginning at about the entry passage 58 to the ear canal 60. The cochlea 78 converts vibrations on the surface 76 of the ear drum 74 into electrical signals, which travel along an auditory nerve 82 to a brain (not shown) for interpretation and processing as audible sound by the wearer of the ear insert 46. As can now be seen, the removable ear insert 46 preferably fits comfortably within the wearer's ear 48. More specifically, it contacts and preferably fits within the outer ear 50 of the wearer. Even more specifically, it preferably fits within the concha 56 of the outer ear 50 of the wearer. Yet even more specifically, it is preferably positioned at the entry passage 58 to the ear canal 60. As described, the ear insert 46 is preferably suitable for insertion into the wearer's ear 48. Alternatively, the ear insert 46 is suitable for covering the wearer's ear 48, in which case the ear insert 46 is preferably suitable to cover the outer ear 50 of the wearer, or is suitable for mounting on the wearer's ear 48. In such embodiments, covering and mounting are readily accomplished by techniques well-known in the art. Preferably, the ear insert 46 is molded to match the contour of an average ear 48 in one embodiment. Alternatively, it is preferably custom-molded to match the contours of a specific wearer's ear 48 in an alternative embodiment. Preferably, the ear insert 46 is an electromagnetic or piezo-electric type of earphone device, such as commonly used in hearing aids, and well-known in the art. Preferably, it is implemented in the form of a molded ear insert 46. More specifically, the ear insert 46 is preferably implemented in the form of a molded ear insert 46 that is made of plastic, rubber, silicone, or other material suitable for being inserted into a wearer's ear 48. Preferably, it is suitably encased in a plastic, rubber, silicone, or other material housing. Preferably, it is outfitted with, i.e., surrounded by, either in part or in whole, a cushioning member that is cloth, foam, rubber, foam rubber or the like to enhance comfort for the wearer. Preferably, it shaped to fit within either a wearer's left or right ear 48, or both. Preferably, it is sized to minimize slippage or movement within the wearer's ear 48. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the ear insert 46 fits snugly within the concha 56 of the wearer. In the same or an alternative embodiment, it fits snugly within abutting contact of the conchal wall 64. In the same or additionally alternative embodiments, it fits snugly between the tragus 66 and antitragus 70. In the same or additionally alternative embodiments, it is lodged securely among one or more of the following: the conchal wall 64, tragus 66, antitragus 70, and intertragic notch 72. Preferably, it is dimensioned to inhibit ambient noises and other external sounds typical of a household setting. For example, when one or both of the parents 44a, 44b utilize the ear insert 46 not only during slumber but also while performing other tasks, such as housework, mowing a yard, and the like, whereas before, hearing the audible parameter from the infant 44 would have otherwise been difficult or suspect due to ambient noises and other external sounds, whereby now, such audible parameters from the infant 44 are readily discernable. In the foregoing embodiment, the ear insert 46 is appropriately sized and dimensioned to fill the outer ear 50 such that sounds other than the audio parameter from the infant 44 are inhibited or altogether precluded from entering the inner ear 80 of the wearer. This embodiment is preferably accomplished by sizing the ear insert 46 to substantially fill the concha 56 of the outer ear 50. Other applicable techniques are also well-known in the art. Preferably, the ear insert 46 projects sound internally. More specifically, it projects sound internally towards the inner ear 80. Even more specifically, it projects sound internally towards the inner ear 80 through the entry passage 58 to the ear canal 60. Yet even more specifically, it projects sound internally towards the inner ear 80 through the entry passage 58 to the ear canal 60 and towards the ear drum 74, cochlea 78, and auditory nerve 82. In other words, it is preferably removably positioned to point and project sound inwards relative to the inner ear 80 and outer ear 50. Accordingly, it preferably projects sound internally towards the ear drum 74 of the inner ear 80. In other preferred embodiments, various modifications to the foregoing are also possible. For example, in one preferred embodiment of the foregoing, each of the parents 42 wear a separate ear insert 46 to monitor more than one infant 44 making more than one audible parameter in more than one infants' rooms 16. In such an embodiment, the infant monitoring system 10 preferably utilizes more than one infant monitoring device 12. In still other preferred embodiments, the ear insert 46 preferably includes conventional PMD 14 functionality, including, for example, globally broadcasting audible parameters when both parents 42 need or desire to be alerted to the audible parameter from the infant 44. In still other preferred embodiments, the IMS 10 includes an IMD 12, PMD 14, and an ear insert 46. Thus, the parents 42 can use either the conventional PMD 14, preferably placed on the bed-side table 40, or, alternatively, one of the parents 42 can wear the ear insert 46. This embodiment allows full functionality of the IMS 10, whereby the IMD 12 can transmit directly to the PMD 14, to the ear insert 46, or to both. In another preferred embodiment, the IMD 12 transmits to the PMD 14, which in turn, transmits to the ear insert 46. It should be understood that this Specification describes exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not limited to any of these embodiments. Rather, these embodiments were disclosed as required. Thus, many changes and modifications—as apparent to those skilled in the art—are within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit hereof, and the inventive arrangements are inclusive thereof. Thus, to further apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are hereby made: * * * * * |
